Ted Hankey knocked out of Grand Slam of Darts

Shropshire's double world champion Ted Hankey wasted a good start and bowed out of the Grand Slam of Darts.

Telford-based Hankey raced 3-0 up against Steve Beaton in Wolverhampton last night, but ended up losing 10-6 to miss out on a place in the quarter-finals and another shot at Phil Taylor.

Hankey made a brilliant start in the battle of the former Lakeside Champions, but failed to handle a brilliant run from Beaton, who won six successive legs.

A 91 finish helped put The Count in control and he later got back to 6-5 down after taking out finishes of 84, on the bull, and 68.

But Beaton, who had an average of 101, pulled away again before Hankey landed his first 180 in taking his sixth and final leg.

"I'm delighted to be through," said Beaton. "I felt lucky to get it back to 3-2 at the first break - and when I got the lead I had to hang on to it.

"Ted played some great darts in patches but I'm really happy with my performance because I was consistent and I'm very pleased. I can't wait to play Phil now."

Hankey, who again reacted to the crowd, said: "I didn't play as well as I could and Steve played better, and deserved the win.

"At 3-0 down he suddenly turned up and began playing - and to be fair to him he was brilliant."